PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% OFF £30

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% OFF £30

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventGreat SavingsShort DatedBetter than 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDShop all CBDCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthPain ReliefCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianSt John's WortRescue RemedyAgnus CastusAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleDevil's ClawGinseng & GuaranaBlack CohoshHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBach Original Flower RemediesBioglanBetterYouNatures AidGrass & Co.Dairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllComic ReliefEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMaca PowderGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderFlaxseedSpirulinaChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardHoney, Jams & SpreadsBreakfast CerealsSuperfoodsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 PriceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherPukkaMeridianNakdTwiningsBionaManuka DoctorGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeMollusc FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinWhey ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsEnergy DrinksProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersAmino Energy DrinksBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceGreat SavingsOptimum NutritionPE NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringSiSHuelYfoodDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueSo EcoAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inCBDWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettUSNPulsinPhDApplied NutritionEat WaterNatures AidNew NordicDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettVitabioticsWeledaDr OrganicSolgarNew NordicNaturtintOptimum NutritionBounceHeath & HeatherDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessMuscle & Joint PainImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
A man pouring a scoop of protein powder into a shaker filled with water.

Your guide to bulking powders

20 Jul 2021 • 3 min read

Bulking powders are BIG business within the world of bodybuilding, as they’re essentially used to help people ‘bulk’ up their muscle mass.1

Also known as protein powders, bulking powders aren’t just for bodybuilders, they’re used far and wide by people who want to achieve their fitness goals and individual growth plans.

Some people may use them multiple times a day, especially if they really want to bulk up, as they’d have to eat a huge amount of calories to fuel their growth.

Meanwhile, others may use them less frequently; the ‘rules’ associated with using them are as varied as all of the different bulking protein powders that are on the market.

What are bulk powders?

Are what they say on the tin. They are used by people to bulk up and support their training and fitness regimes.

They range from whey protein powders, casein protein powders and egg white protein powders, to collagen protein powders, hemp powder, plant-based protein powders, and more…2 

These bulking powders can be taken in all sorts of different ways. You can:3

  • Mix them into drinks
  • Create a protein powder drink by mixing some scoops with water
  • Blend them with other ingredients to make a smoothie
  • Stir them into yoghurt, oatmeal or dips
  • Add them to soups
  • Blend them into baking recipes
  • Incorporate them into your diet in the way that works best for you!

When to take bulking protein powders

It depends on what you are using them to achieve. For instance, depending on your fitness/bulking plans, you may have just one large serving or lots of smaller portions a day.4

And if your goal is to lose some weight, then you may also want to bump up your diet with some high protein foods, such as poultry, cheese, yoghurt, milk, beans, peas and lentils and eggs,5 throughout the day too.

Handpicked content: 13 of the best protein bars & snacks

You can use bulking powders:

  • Before exercise/workouts
  • After exercise/workouts
  • Two hours after working out
  • During the day in small quantities
  • Before you go to sleep

4 of the best protein powder for bulking – our top picks

Everybody’s bulking goals are different so it’s difficult to say one particular protein powder is better than all the rest.

Plus the fact that bulking powders work differently on different people, people’s metabolisms are different, some people’s workouts may be more difficult than others, etc, etc…

With that in mind, here are our top picks, based on customer ratings, to help you find the best protein powder for bulking:

H&B customer rating: 4.5 stars

About this bulk powder: Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass is the ultimate weight gain formula. Each delicious shake delivers an incredible 1,250 calories, but no added sugar. This includes 50g of blended protein to support muscle growth and 252g of carbohydrates.

Flavours: Chocolate peanut, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, banana, cookies & cream.

Ingredients (Chocolate peanut): Maltodextrin, Whey Protein Concentrate (milk), Calcium Caseinate (milk) (Emulsifier: Soy Lecithin), Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder (2.3%), Flavouring, Minerals (Sodium Chloride, Dipotassium Phosphate, Ferric Pyrophosphate, Zinc Oxide, Cupric Gluconate, Manganese Sulphate, Chromium III Chloride Hexahydrate, Potassium Iodide), EGG Albumen, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Creatine Monohydrate, Choline Bitartrate, L-Glutamine, Glutamine Peptides [Wheat], Whey Powder (milk), Inositol, Vitamin Blend (L-Ascorbic Acid, Nicotinamide, DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Retinyl Acetate, Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid, D-Biotin, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin), Sweetener (Sucralose).

How to use it: Add 2 heaped scoops (330g) of Serious Mass to a blender filled with 710 ml of water. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds. Then add a few ice cubes and, if desired, other calorie-contributing ingredients and blend for an additional 30 to 45 seconds. 

  1. PE Nutrition Performance Gainer Chocolate 6000g

H&B customer rating: 4.5 stars

About this bulk powder: PE Nutrition Performance Gainer contains everything you need to put on weight and muscle healthily in one easy-to-make drink. This powerful formula makes it easy and convenient to add additional calories to your diet without forgetting the all-important ingredients. Each serving provides high-quality protein, branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and energising fast-release carbohydrates and slow-releasing complex carbohydrates.

Flavours: Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry

Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Milk Protein (Whey Protein Concentrate (23%), Oat Flour, Fructose, Fat Reduced Cacoa Powder (8%), Maize Starch, Tapioca Starch, Fat Powder (Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin), Flavouring, Salt, MCT-Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides of Palm Kernel Oil, Glucose Syrup, Milk Protein, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate), Thickener: Cellulose Gum. May contain traces of Soy and Egg. For Allergens

How to use it: Blend four 30g scoops (120g) of Performance Gainer with 300ml of water or whole milk. For best results, use an electric blender and once mixed the product should be consumed within 20 minutes.

Skimmed milk may be substituted for whole milk for less fat, kilocalories and cholesterol.

TOP TIP: For quicker weight gain, boost your calorie intake by blending your shake with ingredients like ice cream, nuts, honey, fresh berries, bananas and other foods that are high in kilocalories.

  1. USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic All-In-OneShake Caramel Peanut 2kg

Customer rating: 4.6 stars

About this bulking powder: Scientifically engineered supplement for muscle building specifically formulated for athletes that are serious about building muscle mass. This is the bulking powder for you if you're a bodybuilder, an athlete or on a mass-gaining plan.

Flavours: Caramel peanut, banana, chocolate, cookies & cream, strawberry, vanilla or grab a variety pack.

Ingredients: Carb Matrix (Maltodextrin, Dextrose monohydrate, Fructose), Protein Matrix [Whey protein concentrate (Milk), Soya protein isolate, Milk protein isolate, Egg albumen, Calcium caseinate (Milk)], Creatine monohydrate, Flavouring, Thickeners (Guar gum, Xanthan gum), Sodium chloride, Starch, L-Glycine, Fat powder (Milk), HMB Calcium hydrate, Beta-alanine, BCAA powder 2:1:1, Tricalcium phosphate, Magnesium lactate, Colour (Caramel), Tri potassium citrate, Taurine, Stabilisator (Cellulose gum), Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose), L-Glutamine, Avena sativa [oats (gluten)], Vitamins (Ascorbic acid, Folic acid, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Nicotinamide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavine, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Thiamine hydrochloride, Retinylpalmitate, Cyanocobalamine, D-biotin, Cholecalciferol), Glutamine peptide [Wheat (Gluten)], Anti-caking agent (Silicon dioxide), Zinc bisglycinate, Tolerase™ L (pH-stable lactase).

How to use: Add 3 scoops to 500-600ml of cold water, then use a blender or handheld shaker for 30 seconds to make a great tasting shake. Have one or two servings daily. Servings may be halved.

  1. Applied Nutrition Critical Mass Protein Chocolate Mint 2400g

Customer rating: 5 stars

About this bulk powder: Critical Mass is packed full of the highest quality of ingredients, all of which have been carefully selected for the ability to deliver quality Lean Mass Gainz allowing you to rack up the calories for your daily count.  You'll benefit from added a reduced sugar formula that contains; HMB, glutamine, leucine, creatine matrix, and added fats: CLA & MCT. It's also informed sport registered and halal certified.

How to use: Mix 2.5 scoops (150g) with 500ml of water or skimmed milk and shake well using a shaker bottle. Consume 1-3 servings daily depending on your calorie requirements.

Last updated: 20 July 2021

Sources

  1. https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/top-10-supplements-for-bulking.html 
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-protein-powder
  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-protein-powder
  4. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-protein-powder
  5. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-and-drinks-for-sport/
 
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • PayPal
  • AmericanExpress
  • ApplePay
  • ClearPay
  • AliPay
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.